It was huge news when Kennedy Blades announced on July 23 that she had committed to Iowa. At that time Blades was preparing for the Olympics where she would win silver at 76kg/167 lbs.
Blades defeated six-time World champion Adeline Gray to make the Olympic team.
On the new Iowa Wrestling roster Blades is listed as a junior at 160 lbs.
Blades is a 2021 U20 world champion and 2023 U20 bronze medalist. She was also a 2023 U23 silver medalist.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Blades was the first girl to win an Illinois state title and also competed for Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania.
Blades had Iowa in her final three choices coming out of high school in 2022. Blades chose Arizona State that does not offer women’s wrestling and has competed for Sunkist Kids that has been discontinued.
With her commitment to Iowa Kennedy Blades was immediately the biggest name in all of women’s college wrestling. Her sights are now set on being a gold medalist at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
What an amazing addition to the already strong Iowa program.
Best of luck to Kennedy Blades as an Iowa Hawkeye.
It is great to be an Iowa Wrestling fan.
Go Hawks!
